BALTIMORE, May 9, 2013 — US Lacrosse has named the Baltimore Convention Center as the site of the US Lacrosse Convention in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The sport’s national governing body annually hosts the largest professional development event and trade show in the world for lacrosse coaches, officials, administrators and fans, drawing 7,000 participants each January for a weekend of learning, networking and renewal to kick off the lacrosse season.

Since US Lacrosse unified its men’s and women’s lacrosse conventions in 2002, Baltimore has hosted the US Lacrosse Convention in 2003, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

“The Baltimore Convention Center is one of the premier convention facilities in the nation, offering all the amenities and features we need to bring the lacrosse community together for our signature event,” said Beth Porreca, director of special events at US Lacrosse. “Combine that with Baltimore’s long and distinguished role in the development of lacrosse and with the many attractions and dining options in the city, and we have the ingredients for three memorable conventions in Charm City.”

“Baltimore is very excited to welcome US Lacrosse Convention attendees and fans back to the city for another three years,” said Tom Noonan, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore. “As home of the Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame and of nationally ranked collegiate teams, Baltimore is a great lacrosse town with loyal fans. We look forward to partnering with event organizers to put together a great Baltimore experience.”

The convention features some 150 on-field demonstrations, clinics and educational sessionsconducted by many of the sport’s top coaches, officials and administrators. The professional development offerings include an opening keynote session that in the past has featured sports legends like Herm Edwards, Lou Holtz, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Cal Ripken and Dick Vermeil. The convention also welcomes 150 vendors in lacrosse’s largest exposition hall and dozens of US Lacrosse committees and lacrosse-affiliated organizations for their business meetings.

Membership in US Lacrosse is required to attend the convention. The US Lacrosse Fan Fest is a portion of the convention’s Saturday schedule open to the general public.

The next convention is Jan. 10-12, 2014, in Philadelphia. The 2013 convention generated $7.86 million in economic impact for Philadelphia, according to estimates from the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. For information on the 2014 convention, visit uslacrosse.org/2014convention and follow @USLaxConvention on Twitter (hashtag #LaxCon).

About US Lacrosse
US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the national governing body of men’s and women’s lacrosse and the home of the nation’s fastest-growing sport. US Lacrosse has more than 400,000 members in 64 regional chapters across the country. Through responsive and effective leadership, US Lacrosse provides programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the sport. Bookmark, like and follow US Lacrosse at uslacrosse.org, fb.com/uslacrosse and @uslacrosse, respectively.

About Visit Baltimore
Visit Baltimore is the official sales and marketing organization for Baltimore that generates economic benefits for stakeholders through the attraction of convention, group and leisure visitors. For more information, visit baltimore.org.